January Update: New Beginnings and Milestones! šš¾
This month has been packed with growth, connection, and celebration! Hereās a look at what weāve been up to:
The Matching Process Begins for Several of Our Service Dogs! š¾š
This month, several of our incredible dogs began their matching process, an exciting milestone on their journey to becoming working dogs. Whether they are preparing to support an individual or serve as facility dogs in schools or other community settings, these pups are on their way to making a lasting impact. We couldnāt be more proud of these dogs! Stay tuned as we follow their progress and celebrate the amazing work theyāll do in their future roles!
A Big Career Update for Malia! ššØ
Weāre thrilled to share that Malia has started a new chapter as a Human Remains Detection (HRD) dog with the Orange County Sheriff’s Department! In her new role, sheāll be providing vital support to her community, showcasing her incredible skills and dedication.
Before this transition, Malia worked with the Search Dog Foundation (SDF), and her journey is a testament to how every dog finds their perfect purpose. At Retrieving Independence, we love watching our dogs continue to grow and make a differenceāeven from afar. Weāre so proud of Malia and canāt wait to see all the lives she touches in this new chapter!
Puppy Visits and De-Stress Days with LifeFlight šš¾
This month, our service dogs in training made several visits to LifeFlight, Vanderbilt University Medical Centerās critical care and air medical transport program. LifeFlight is on the front lines of lifesaving care in high-pressure, emergency situations, and our partnership with them plays a vital role in preparing our dogs for their future work.
For Retrieving Independence, these visits allow our dogs to gain critical exposure to high-stress, medical, and emergent scenarios. From the loud noises of helicopter blades and ambulance sirens to the presence of life-saving equipment and fast-paced activity, these experiences help our dogs build resilience and adaptability. While we hope our clients never face such situations, we recognize the reality that emergencies can happen. By preparing our dogs in advance, we ensure they are equipped to remain calm and focused, creating a safer environment for both the dog and their handler.
For LifeFlight, the benefits go beyond training. The presence of our dogs brings a sense of calm and joy to their hardworking crews, offering moments of stress relief during their demanding schedules. Itās a powerful demonstration of the human-animal bond and a small way we can give back to those who give so much. Support our friends at LifeFlight by checking out their links and socials (@vumc_lifeflight)!
Training Adventures: Virtual and In-Person š»šļøš¾
This month brought a mix of virtual and in-person training opportunities for our volunteers and dogs. When the weather made it unsafe to gather in person, we hosted a virtual training session to ensure everyone could still stay engaged and informed. At Retrieving Independence, safety is always our top priority, and we believe training should be approachable and accessible, no matter the circumstances. Offering virtual options ensures our volunteers can continue to grow in their roles without worry.
Later in the month, we had the chance to meet in person for a highly successful mall training session. These outings provide an invaluable opportunity for our service dogs to practice their skills in a real-world environment. From navigating busy spaces to staying focused amidst the distractions of a bustling public setting, the dogs performed incredibly well, and our volunteers showed fantastic teamwork.
Whether weāre meeting online or out in the community, our training sessions are designed to prepare our dogs and volunteers for success while keeping safety and support at the forefront.
Expanding Our Knowledge at Clicker Expo LIVE šš¾
This month, our team had the incredible opportunity to attend the Clicker Expo LIVE, hosted by Karen Pryor Clicker Training. The event gave us fresh insights into positive reinforcement techniques and innovative training strategies, which we are excited to integrate into our work with service dogs in training.
A highlight of the expo was seeing our very own Director of Client Experience, Rebekah, lead a demonstration during a workshop alongside her facility dog, Stanley. Rebekah recently completed her own clicker training certification, and her expertise shone during the session. Stanley was the perfect partner to showcase the practical applications of clicker training in real-life scenarios.
At Retrieving Independence, we place a high value on learning, especially continued learning. The Clicker Expo was not just an opportunity to grow as professionals but also a reminder of why we constantly seek ways to improve and evolve. Whether itās certifications, workshops, or hands-on experiences, weāre committed to staying at the forefront of training techniques to better serve our dogs, clients, and community.
Taking Stock and Charging Up for the Year Ahead šāØ
As the new year began, we took time to reflect on everything we accomplished in 2024, and we couldnāt be prouder of how far weāve come. From graduating several working dogs to fundraising for veterans to the incredible success of Retrieving in the Round, 2024 was a year filled with milestones, growth, and transformation.
These achievements wouldnāt have been possible without the unwavering dedication and support of our community. To our donors, board members, staff, trainers, volunteers, and everyone who stands behind our missionāthank you. Your commitment fuels everything we do and inspires us to continue reaching for bigger goals in 2025.
As we look forward, weāre recharged, refocused, and ready to make 2025 one of our best years yet.
Birthday Celebrations for Kelsey and Shelly! š„³š
We ended January on a joyful note by celebrating not one but two incredible team members! Kelsey and Shelly both had birthdays this month, and we couldnāt be more grateful for everything they bring to our organization. Happy Birthday to these two amazing women who are the heart and soul of so much of what we do!
